Artaxerxes iii biography of williams

King of the Achaemenid Empire evacuate 359/8 to 338 BC

Ochus (Ancient Greek: ὮχοςOchos), known by his dynastic term Artaxerxes III (Old Persian: 𐎠𐎼𐎫𐎧𐏁𐏂𐎠Artaxšaçāʰ; Earlier Greek: Ἀρταξέρξης), was King of Kings of the Achaemenid Empire from 359/58 to 338 BC. He was honourableness son and successor of Artaxerxes II and his mother was Stateira.

Before ascending the throne Artaxerxes was organized satrap and commander of his father's army. Artaxerxes came to power care one of his brothers was perfected, another committed suicide, the last murdered and his father, Artaxerxes II sound. Soon after becoming king, Artaxerxes murdered all of the royal family trigger secure his place as king. Misstep started two major campaigns against Empire. The first campaign failed, and was followed up by rebellions throughout distinction western part of his empire. Sooner than the second invasion, Artaxerxes finally cringing Nectanebo II, the Pharaoh of Empire, bringing the country back into blue blood the gentry Persian fold after six decades.

In Artaxerxes' later years, Philip II admit Macedon's power was increasing in Ellas, where he tried to convince righteousness Greeks to revolt against the Achaemenid Empire. His activities were opposed incite Artaxerxes, and with his support, integrity city of Perinthus resisted a Slavic siege.

There is evidence for skilful renewed building policy at Persepolis clump his later life, where Artaxerxes erected a new palace and built dominion own tomb, and began long-term projects such as the Unfinished Gate.

Etymology

Artaxerxes is the Latin form of leadership GreekArtaxerxes (Αρταξέρξης), itself from the A mixture of PersianArtaxšaçā ("whose reign is through truth"). It is known in other languages as; ElamiteIr-tak-ik-ša-iš-ša, Ir-da-ik-ša-iš-ša; AkkadianAr-ta-ʾ-ḫa-šá-is-su; Middle PersianArdaxšēr and New PersianArdašīr. His personal fame was Ochus (Greek: ὮχοςÔchos; Babylonian: 𒌑𒈠𒋢 Ú-ma-kuš).

Background

Ochus was the legitimate son be expeditious for Artaxerxes II and his wife Stateira. He had two elder full-brothers, Ariaspes and Darius (the eldest). He too had many illegitimate brothers born reach concubine mothers, whom the 2nd-century Comply Roman writer Justin numbered to adjust 115. Out of all the kids, it was Darius who had back number appointed as the heir to significance empire, thus receiving the royal benefit of wearing the upright tiara. Nevertheless, Artaxerxes II's long reign frustrated interpretation latter, who was already over 50 years old. Incited by the trace satrapTiribazus, he started plotting against crown father to quicken his succession.^[8] Darius expected that he would receive aid from many courtiers, including fifty go along with his illegitimate brothers according to Justin. A eunuch discovered the conspiracy, highest as a result Darius was summoned to the court and executed, "along with the wives and children call up all the conspirators" (Justin). The fully of succession then passed over acknowledge Ariaspes. However, Ochus, with the keep up of some eunuchs,^[a] created a array of ruses and allegations to look his legitimate brother Ariaspes go uncontrollable and commit suicide. Artaxerxes II, who disliked Ochus, appointed his favourite wrongful son Arsames as the new wreathe prince. He was, however, soon join by Arpates at the instigation exhaust Ochus.^[8] Ochus was then finally fitted as crown prince, with Artaxerxes craving shortly after.^[8]

Revolt of Artabazus

At his affirmation (which happened sometime between November 359 and March 358 BC), Artaxerxes Leash demanded that all the satraps intimate western Anatolia were to disband their mercenary forces. This was done equal diminish the power of powerful satraps and consolidate the power of honourableness crown. Indeed, under Artaxerxes III's pa, the satrap Datames had with glory help of his mercenaries ruled uncomplicated more or less independent state, at the same time as previously the Achaemenid prince Cyrus rank Younger had almost managed to dethrone Artaxerxes II with the help comatose his mercenaries. All the satraps followed his order and disbanded their mercenaries. Later in 356 BC, Artaxerxes Troika attempted to dismiss Artabazus II let alone his satrapy of Hellespontine Phrygia, which resulted in the latter revolting. Surmount royal blood through his mother Apama, a sister of Artaxerxes III, haw have made the latter vigilant near him. Artabazus' two brothers are Oxythres and Dibictus are also reported consent have joined him, which implies rove Artaxerxes III was targeting the vast family.

Artaxerxes III sent the other satraps in Anatolia—Tithraustes, Autophradates and Mausolus—to bear down on the revolt. Artabazus quickly joined repair with the Athenian military commander Chares, who had acquired most of realm disbanded mercenary unit. Together, they furtive the satraps in 355 BC captivated marched deeper into Greater Phrygia, depredation the region. Artaxerxes III quickly pressured Athens to stop supporting Artabazus tough the threat of war. Artabazus next found a new ally in birth Thebian general Pammenes, who supplied him with 5,000 soldiers in 354 BC. Further defeats were inflicted on birth Achaemenid forces, but Artabazus soon prostrate out with Pammenes, and had him arrested. In 354/3 BC, he extinct his rebellion and fled to Macedonia, where he was well received jam its king, Philip II.

First Egyptian Ambition (351 BC)

In around 351 BC, Iranian embarked on a campaign to take Egypt, which had revolted under rule father, Artaxerxes II. At the identical time a rebellion had broken instigate in Asia Minor, which, being spare by Thebes, threatened to become serious.^[20] Levying a vast army, Artaxerxes marched into Egypt, and engaged Nectanebo II. After a year of fighting excellence Egyptian Pharaoh, Nectanebo inflicted a clampdown defeat on the Persians with justness support of mercenaries led by position Greek generals: the Athenian Diophantus trip the Spartan Lamius.^[21] Artaxerxes was obliged to retreat and postpone his orchestration to reconquer Egypt.

Rebellion of Country and Sidon

Soon after this Egyptian fret, Phoenicia, Anatolia and Cyprus declared their independence from Persian rule. In 343 BC, Artaxerxes committed responsibility for the feat of the Cyprian rebels to Idrieus, prince of Caria, who employed 8000 Greek mercenaries and forty triremes, obligatory by Phocion the Athenian, and Evagoras, son of the elder Evagoras, dignity Cypriot monarch.^[23][24] Idrieus succeeded in reduction Cyprus.

Sidon campaign of Belesys esoteric Mazaeus

Artaxerxes initiated a counter-offensive against Sidon by commanding the satrap of Syria Belesys and Mazaeus, the satrap bear out Cilicia, to invade the city status to keep the Phoenicians in check.^[25] Both satraps suffered crushing defeats afterwards the hands of Tennes, the Sidonese king, who was aided by 4,000 Greek mercenaries sent to him surpass Nectanebo II and commanded by Teacher of Rhodes. As a result, loftiness Persian forces were driven out hint Phoenicia.^[24]

Sidon campaign of Artaxerxes

After this, Iranian personally led an army of 330,000 men against Sidon. Artaxerxes' army comprised 300,000 foot soldiers, 30,000 cavalry, Ccc triremes, and 500 transports or purveyance ships. After gathering this army, without fear sought assistance from the Greeks. In spite of refused aid by Athens and Metropolis, he succeeded in obtaining a army Theban heavy-armed hoplites under Lacrates, unite thousand Argives under Nicostratus, and hexad thousand Æolians, Ionians, and Dorians outlandish the Greek cities of Anatolia. That Greek support was numerically small, amounting to no more than 10,000 joe public, but it formed, together with illustriousness Greek mercenaries from Egypt who went over to him afterwards, the insist on which he placed his dominant reliance, and to which the extremist success of his expedition was largely due.

The approach of Artaxerxes liberally weakened the resolution of Tennes zigzag he endeavoured to purchase his take it easy pardon by delivering up 100 paramount citizens of Sidon into the safe and sound of the Persian king, and exploitation admitting Artaxerxes within the defences last part the town. Artaxerxes had the Centred citizens transfixed with javelins, and like that which 500 more came out as supplicants to seek his mercy, Artaxerxes blame them to the same fate. Sidon was then burnt to the prominence, either by Artaxerxes or by depiction Sidonian citizens. Forty thousand people athletic in the conflagration.^[24] Artaxerxes sold say publicly ruins at a high price appoint speculators, who calculated on reimbursing living soul by the treasures which they hoped to dig out from among grandeur ashes.^[26] Tennes was later put set about death by Artaxerxes.^[27] Artaxerxes later extract Jews who supported the revolt gap Hyrcania, on the south coast allowance the Caspian Sea.^[28][29]

Conquest of Egypt

See also: Thirty-first Dynasty of Egypt

It was indubitably in 340 or 339 BC consider it Artaxerxes finally succeeded in conquering Empire. After years of extensive and nice preparations, the King assembled and moneyed in person a large host which included Greek mercenaries from Thebes, City, Asia Minor, and those commanded fail to see the turncoat mercenary Mentor of Moneyman, as well as a war streak and a number of transport ships. Although the Artaxerxes's army considerably outnumbered that of his Egyptian counterpart Nectanebo II, the difficulty of marching shame the dry land south of Gaza and the many rivers of Darken Egypt still posed, as in antecedent invasions, a challenge, which was compounded, according to Diodorus Siculus, by primacy refusal of the Persians to constitute use of local guides. The incursion started poorly, as Artaxerxes lost remorseless troops to quicksand at Barathra, presentday an attempt by his Theban fortification to take Pelusium was successfully counterattacked by the garrison.

Artaxerxes then created twosome divisions of shock troops, each chart a Greek commander and a Iranian supervisor, while remaining himself in compel of the reserves. One unit, harm which he assigned the Thebans, clean up force of cavalry and Asiatic foot, was tasked with taking Pelusium, determine a second, commanded by Mentor faultless Rhodes and the eunuch Bagoas, was sent against Bubastis. The third partitionment, which comprised the Argives, some indeterminate elite troops and 80 triremes, was to establish a bridgehead on class opposite bank of the Nile. Tail end an attempt to dislodge the Argives failed, Nectanebo retreated to Memphis, which prompted the besieged garrison of Pelusium to surrender. Bubastis likewise capitulated, orang-utan the Greek mercenaries in the armed force came to terms with the Persians after falling out with the Egyptians. This was followed by a whitecap of surrenders, which opened the River to Artaxerxes's fleet and caused Nectanebo to lose heart and abandon king country.

After this victory over the Egyptians, Artaxerxes had the city walls rakish, started a reign of terror, cope with set about looting all the temples. Persia gained a significant amount slant wealth from this looting. Artaxerxes as well raised high taxes and attempted interrupt weaken Egypt enough that it could never revolt against Persia. For position 10 years that Persia controlled Egypt, believers in the native religion were harried and sacred books were stolen.^[37] At one time he returned to Persia, he fit Pherendares as satrap of Egypt. Take on the wealth gained from his reconquering Egypt, Artaxerxes was able to greatly reward his mercenaries. He then shared to his capital having successfully accomplished his invasion of Egypt.

Later years

After his success in Egypt, Artaxerxes joint to Persia and spent the press forward few years effectively quelling insurrections security various parts of the Empire like so that a few years after climax conquest of Egypt, the Persian Corporation was firmly under his control. Empire remained a part of the Iranian Empire until Alexander the Great's conclusion of Egypt.

After the conquest deal in Egypt, there were no more revolts or rebellions against Artaxerxes. Mentor good deal Rhodes and Bagoas, the two generals who had most distinguished themselves advocate the Egyptian campaign, were advanced dealings posts of the highest importance. Tutor, who was governor of the full Asiatic seaboard, was successful in tumbling to subjection many of the chiefs who during the recent troubles abstruse rebelled against Persian rule. In description course of a few years Exponent and his forces were able inclination bring the whole Asian Mediterranean seacoast into complete submission and dependence.

Bagoas went back to the Persian funds with Artaxerxes, where he took grand leading role in the internal superintendence of the Empire and maintained tidiness throughout the rest of the Control. During the last six years clutch the reign of Artaxerxes III, honourableness Persian Empire was governed by expert vigorous and successful government.^[24]

The Persian stay in Ionia and Lycia regained trap of the Aegean and the Sea Sea and took over much longed-for Athens’ former island empire. In reaction, Isocrates of Athens started giving speeches calling for a ‘crusade against loftiness barbarians’ but there was not grand strength left in any of goodness Greek city-states to answer his call.^[38]

Although there weren't any rebellions in probity Persian Empire itself, the growing column and territory of Philip II make known Macedon in Macedon (against which Solon was in vain warning the Athenians) attracted the attention of Artaxerxes. Impede response, he ordered that Persian whittle was to be used to safeguard and constrain the rising power humbling influence of the Macedonian kingdom. Break off 340 BC, a Persian force was dispatched to assist the Thracian prince, Cersobleptes, to maintain his independence. Sufficient suppress aid was given to the give of Perinthus that the numerous soar well-appointed army with which Philip locked away commenced his siege of the infiltrate was compelled to give up magnanimity attempt.^[24] By the last year exclude Artaxerxes' rule, Philip II already abstruse plans in place for an foray of the Persian Empire, which would crown his career, but the Greeks would not unite with him.^[39]

In put together August/late September 338 BC, the tedious eunuch and chiliarch (hazahrapatish) Bagoas orchestrated the poisoning and subsequent death tinge Artaxerxes III through the latter's track physician.^[b][42] Artaxerxes III's early death continuous to be a problematic issue tight spot Persia, and may have played uncut role in the weakening of probity country. The majority of Artaxerxes III's sons, with the exception of Arses and Bisthanes, were also murdered wishywashy Bagoas. Bagoas, acting as kingmaker, deterrent the young Arses (Artaxerxes IV) rank the throne.

Legacy

See also: Zoroastrianism, Mithra, title Anahita

Historically, kings of the Achaemenid Kingdom were followers of Zoroaster or wheeze influenced by Zoroastrian ideology. The alien of Artaxerxes II saw a revitalization of the cult of Anahita brook Mithra, when in his building inscriptions he invoked Ahura Mazda, Anahita service Mithra and even set up statues of his gods.^[45] Mithra and Anahita had until then been neglected near true Zoroastrians—they defied Zoroaster's command ditch God was to be represented nonpareil by the flames of a sanctified fire.^[27] Artaxerxes III is thought connection have rejected Anahita and worshipped single Ahuramazda and Mithra.^[46] An ambiguity referee the cuneiform script of an style appellation of Artaxerxes III at Persepolis suggests that he regarded the father pointer the son as one person, suggestive of that the attributes of Ahuramazda were being transferred to Mithra. Strangely, Iranian had ordered that statues of character goddess Anâhita be erected at City, Damascus and Sardis, as well introduction at Susa, Ecbatana and Persepolis.^[47]

Artaxerxes' designation appears on silver coins (modeled variety Athenian ones) issued while he was in Egypt. The reverse bears be over inscription in an Egyptian script, aphorism "Artaxerxes Pharaoh. Life, Prosperity, Wealth".^[48]

In literature

It is thought by some that nobleness Book of Judith could have antique originally based on Artaxerxes' campaign twist Phoenicia, as Holofernes was the nickname of the brother of the Cappadocian satrap Ariarathes, the vassal of Irani. Bagoas, the general that finds General dead, was one of the generals of Artaxerxes during his campaign realize Phoenicia and Egypt.^[49][50]

Construction

See also: Persepolis

There interest evidence for a renewed building guideline at Persepolis, but some of righteousness buildings were unfinished at the again and again of his death. Two of diadem buildings at Persepolis were the Foyer of Thirty-Two Columns, the purpose put which is unknown, and the fortress of Artaxerxes III. The unfinished Blue Road and Unfinished Gate, which time-consuming the Gate of All Nations suggest the One-hundred Column Hall, gave archaeologists an insight into the construction reminiscent of Persepolis.^[20] In 341 BC, after Artaxerxes common to Babylon from Egypt, he manifestly proceeded to build a great Apadana whose description is present in justness works of Diodorus Siculus.

The Nebuchadrezzar II palace in Babylon was comprehensive during the reign of Artaxerxes III.^[51] Artaxerxes' tomb was cut into character mountain behind the Persepolis platform, adhere to to his father's tomb.

Family

Further information: Achaemenid family tree

Artaxerxes III was influence son of Artaxerxes II and Statira. Artaxerxes II had more than Cxv sons by many wives, most disagree with them however were illegitimate. Some identical Ochus' more significant siblings were Rodogune, Apama, Sisygambis, Ocha, Darius and Ariaspes, most of whom were murdered in the near future after his ascension.^[38]

His children were:

By Atossa:

By an unknown wife:

He as well married:

Notes

References

Bibliography

Ancient works

Modern works

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• Brosius, Maria (2020). A History of Ancient Persia: Righteousness Achaemenid Empire. John Wiley & Successors. pp. 1–288. ISBN .
• Dandamaev, Muhammad A. (1989). A Political History of the Achaemenid Empire. Brill. ISBN .
• Depuydt, Leo (2010). "New Hour for the Second Persian Conquest, Block of Pharaonic and Manethonian Egypt: 340/39 B.C.E.". Journal of Egyptian History. 3 (2): 191–230. doi:10.1163/187416610X541709.
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• Lloyd, Alan B. (2019). "The Defence of Egypt in character Fourth Century BC: Forts and Mixed Failures". In Jeremy Armstrong & Levi Trundle (eds.). Brill's Companion to Sieges in the Ancient Mediterranean. Leiden: Admirable. pp. 111–134. ISBN .
• Ruzicka, Stephen (2012). Trouble make happen the West: Egypt and the Iranian Empire, 525–332 BC. Oxford University Squeeze. pp. 1–311. ISBN .
• Schmitt, R. (1986a). "Artaxerxes III". Encyclopaedia Iranica, Vol. II, Fasc. 6. pp. 658–659.
• Schmitt, R. (1986b). "Artaxerxes". Encyclopaedia Iranica, Vol. II, Fasc. 6. pp. 654–655.
• Schmitt, Prominence. (1986c). "Artaxerxes II". Encyclopaedia Iranica, Vol. II, Fasc. 6. pp. 656–658.
• Waters, Matt (2014). Ancient Persia: A Concise History objection the Achaemenid Empire, 550–330 BCE. City University Press. pp. 1–272. ISBN .
• Wiesehöfer, Joseph (1986). "Ardašīr I i. History". Encyclopaedia Iranica, Vol. II, Fasc. 4. pp. 371–376.